Choosing a migration agent to represent your visa case can be a very daunting process. You often have to pay thousands of dollars for their services so it is absolutely essential that you pick the right migration agent for your case. But with hundreds of migration agents out there how do you know you are making the right decision? Below we list our top tips you can follow to ensure you are hiring the right migration agent.
1. Make Sure the Agent is Registered with MARA
The first, and most essential, step is to check if the migration agent is registered with the Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). It is important that the agent you choose is registered with MARA as this office regulates all migration agents in Australia and makes sure they are in the proper position to be offering migration assistance. If a migration agent is not registered with MARA there is no way to tell if they are a person of integrity and if they have sufficient knowledge of Australia’s immigration law and procedures. Agents registered with MARA are required to stay up to date with migration law. Additionally, if you have a problem with a registered migration agent, and think them unprofessional, you can report them to MARA who can penalise them. Unregistered migration agents have no regulatory force and if they act unprofessionally there is no office you can turn to, to report them. Unregistered agents have been known to scam clients out of thousands of dollars and do no visa work in return. So it is of the utmost importance that you choose a registered migration agent.
2. Check What Other Clients Have to Say About Them
One of the best ways to check if a migration agent is good is to check what old clients have to say about them. Google Reviews is a good place to start. Companies are unable to delete or modify their reviews on Google – therefore, these reviews are free from company bias. Check the star rating the firm has, you should only consider agents that have a rating above 4 stars, but also read through the reviews. Find out what clients loved about them but also consider what clients took issue with. The biggest red flag is when the negative reviews start to outweigh the positive ones.
3. Meet the Agent Face-to-Face in a Consult
Meeting your migration agent face-to-face before you engage them may seem like a simple tip, but many people may neglect this step to save time. However, if you are paying quite a sizeable sum for a service you need to ensure you are hiring the right migration agent for the job. The best way to get to know a migration agent is to meet them and ask them any questions you may have about their service. If you are living off shore and are unable to physically meet the agent, try to arrange a skype or phone consultation. Some migration agents may charge for this initial consultation but some do offer a free initial consultation.
4. Look for a Migration Agent with Experience
Inexperienced migration agents are often much cheaper than experienced ones, however, you may be putting your visa application at great risk by going with the cheaper option. The Australian immigration system is very complex and you often need years of experience to fully understand it. So do not be shy when it comes to asking your migration agent how many years of experience they have. Furthermore, it’s even better if your migration agent is a lawyer as well, as this means they have even more experience with the legal system and handling legal documentation.
5. Ask the Agent What Their Success Rate Is
The next question you shouldn’t shy away from is asking the migration agent what their success rate is. Although agents cannot guarantee the success of a visa application, you can generally tell how good a migration agent is by their success rate. Additionally, be wary of migration agents who are willing to take on any and every case they come across. Honest migration agents will only take on cases they truly believe in and not give clients false hope by submitting an application that has a high chance of refusal.
If you are still on the search for the perfect migration agent, for 188 Visa, 132 Visa , Prospective Marriage Visa or Business Visa why not come and meetus ? We have offices all over Australia and offer a free initial consultation to assess your case. You can sign up for the free consultation.